1964 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8

This is an early 3000 BJ8 Phase II with the late improved clearance suspension and push button door handles, but only one tail/parking light at each corner. Built for the USA in Oct. 1964 and shipped to Compton, CA (LA area) where it stayed for 45 years. Heritage Certificate confirms this is a matching number car - white with a red interior. In February 2014 this car achieved its Austin- Healey Concours Registry Gold Certificate (the highest award), receiving 969 of 1,000 points. Accessories include Heater, Overdrive, and Tonneau. The interior is now red leather. The car completed restoration in 2007 and the restoration was cleaned up to meet Healey club standards in 2013. It is essentially perfect ready to show or drive. About 5,000 miles since 2007 including 1,000 miles since 2014 award.

The economy was weak in California during 1964 and 1965, primarily due to a downturn in Aerospace, and apparently the car did not sell. Sometime in late 1965 the factory sent a 1966 BMC model year tag for the dealer to attach to the ID plate. The factory adopted this practice of sending new model year tags to dealers so if cars were moving slowly dealers would not be stuck with “stale” inventory. Therefore when the car was sold it was registered in California as first sold in 1965 as a 1966 model. It is still registered as a 1966 model year. The license plates are the original California black plates issued in 1965. The front plate is a custom plate from Moss Motors in English configuration to improve clearance, but with the CA numbers.

The car had an adjustable steering column. This was replaced by a fixed period correct wood wheel, however, the original adjustable plastic wheel in included. After judging the unused radio grill was replaced with a volt meter and interior light.This can be replaced by the proper grill for judging if desired. It is presently driven with a red tonneau or red convertible top boot, however for show the correct black tonneau and top boot are included.

The car wears chrome wire wheels today, but a set of 5 Dunlop painted wheels with proper radial tires for show are available.